Garden Structures

Chozubachi	Image	This structure is a water basin that is usually located near the front gate of the garden. Water pours down from a bamboo spout and makes a pleasing, refreshing sound as it hits the pool below. This water basin is large enough to lean and relax on. A dipper or ladle accompanies the basin from which the observer can take a drink. The water acts to cool and cleanse the garden observer.
Deer Chaser	Image	This structure, regardless of its name, may not actually chase deer away. Sorry to all of you with deer problems. Water flows down a bamboo pipe and enters one end of another section of hollow bamboo. This section is attacthed to a fixed stand. The water weights the other end of the tube down as it fills it, and pours out the opposite end. After the tube has emptied it returns to its original position with a knock. Monks used to use this knocking noise to keep time during meditation.
Tsukubai	Image	This structure is another water basin, yet unlike the chozubachi it sits much lower, and is not accompanied by a dipper. The fact that the basin is low requires the observer to bend down to reach it. This sign of reverance suggests that the observer is about to enter a sacred place in the garden. The fact that there is no dipper suggests that this water is not for drinking, but rather for the observers soul.
Stone Lanterns	Image	Stone lanterns light the observers path during the night. They also guide your path during the day, and attract attention. The light sybolizes the beginnings of the earth by fire, and the formative powers of volcanoes.

Bronze Cranes and Tortoises

These structures can sometimes be found in the Japanese Garden. Both the crane and the tortoise are long lived animals, and they wish all visitors the same.

 

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